Urgent: Top Japanese Free Agents Poised to Impact MLB 2026

UPDATE: The 2025-26 MLB offseason is heating up with top Japanese free agents ready to make their mark. Three players—Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, and Kazuma Okamoto—are drawing significant interest from teams across Major League Baseball as they transition from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, is projected to be a solid third starter with an ERA in the mid-3.00s. His fastball, clocking in at 93-97 mph, combined with his impressive splitter, positions him as a valuable asset. Imai’s control has improved dramatically, dropping his walk rate to 2.5 BB/9 in 2025. His unique slider, which features atypical movement, has contributed to a 45% miss rate last season.

Teams are expected to pursue Imai aggressively, with a projected all-in cost of around $157 million over six years, including the posting fee to his NPB club. The New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees are among the frontrunners, as they look to bolster their pitching rotations without sacrificing draft picks.

Munetaka Murakami, a power-hitting infielder, is another electrifying prospect. At just 25 years old, he shattered the NPB single-season home run record with 56 homers in 2022. However, recent seasons have shown a rise in his strikeout rate, leading to concerns about his performance against MLB pitching. His acquisition cost is projected to be just under $94 million, reflecting both his high upside and inherent risks.

Murakami is expected to attract interest from teams like the Chicago Cubs and the Yankees, who value his raw power and potential for improvement in the major leagues.

Kazuma Okamoto rounds out this impressive trio. The 29-year-old, who has led NPB in home runs since 2018 with 247 homers, offers a steadier profile than Murakami. Okamoto’s recent seasons saw his power dip due to injury, but he still posted a commendable batting average of .327 in 2025. His projected contract is around $43 million over three years, making him an attractive option for teams looking for a reliable first baseman or designated hitter.

The Mets, Astros, and Phillies are in the mix for Okamoto, seeking a cost-effective alternative to pricier free agents.

As the 2025-26 offseason progresses, these players are not just changing teams; they could reshape the landscape of Major League Baseball. Stay tuned for the latest developments as teams finalize their rosters and make moves that could impact the upcoming season.